Maxime Martin looks after South Australia’s largest wine list: more than 1,300 labels at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant in Mount Lofty House. So when he picks his favourite bottles for summer and Christmas, it pays to take notes.
The head sommelier has just received the Michelin Sommelier Award, one of the guide’s individual Special Awards, at the inaugural Michelin Guide South Australia 2027. Hardy’s Verandah was also recognised in the guide, adding to the three hats it received from the Australian Good Food Guide in 2025.
The award recognises Maxime’s leadership of the restaurant’s wine program. His list also earned a Best of Award of Excellence in Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards, one of only 20 in Australia.
“Receiving the Michelin Sommelier Award is a tremendous honour,” Maxime says. “Wine has always been central to the experience at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, and this recognition belongs to our whole team and to the South Australian, Australian and international winemakers whose work we are proud to share with our guests.”
Maxime has chosen six South Australian wines for the festive season and shared his tasting notes exclusively with FIFTY+SA. They range from a $28 light red to a $170 Riesling, so there’s something for every budget and every kind of festive table.
Maxime Martin’s summer and Christmas wine picks
Honey Moon Vineyard Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills – $55
“Handcrafted by a lovely couple in the traditional Champagne style, this sparkling wine is disgorged to order with a low dosage. Creamy yet vibrant, with lively Meyer lemon notes, it is ideal with a South Australian cheese platter.”
Loosen Barry Wolta Wolta Riesling 2016, Clare Valley – $170
“One of my favourite Australian Rieslings, with a compelling story behind it. Born from Ernst Loosen and Sam Barry’s dedication to Clare Valley Riesling, it carries a distinctly German winemaking influence and offers a fascinating glimpse of the traditional flinty style. Opulent and mineral, with finger lime and a hint of honeysuckle, it is a superb expression of South Australian Riesling and pairs beautifully with grilled garfish and sauce vierge.”
Ngeringa Iluma Viognier 2025, Adelaide Hills – $80
“For an alternative variety from one of the country’s most iconic biodynamic wineries, try this Viognier. We tasted it at the vineyard with a wonderful homemade tagine – an unforgettable moment. Textural and inviting, it offers peach and apricot with a subtle note of toasted oak.”
In Praise of Shadows Nera Nero d’Avola, McLaren Vale – $28
“A perfect light red for a sunny day with friends. This boutique vineyard produces excellent-value wines inspired by Japanese aesthetics. Expect crunchy strawberry, white pepper and delicate tannins. An emerging Sicilian variety, Nero d’Avola shows its full potential here in McLaren Vale.”
Charles Melton Voice of Angels Shiraz, Adelaide Hills – $95
“A reinvented classic. Sophie Melton expresses the house style through a luscious, intense and perfumed Shiraz lifted by a touch of Riesling. Complex notes of sandalwood, rose and juicy plum meet a smooth texture. Enjoy now with teriyaki steak or cellar for later.”
L’Anima Sobremesa Muscat, McLaren Vale – $40
“A rising star that deserves to be discovered. The winemaker uses three traditional harvest methods rather than one, creating complexity and layered flavour. Caramelised orange, frangipane and candied apricot make this an exceptional match for Christmas cake.”
Dining at Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant
Hardy’s Verandah seats just 12 tables each night, and every one looks over the Piccadilly Valley. Behind them is a team of more than 50, including five sommeliers. Head Chef Alessandro Mangione leads the kitchen. He was part of the restaurant’s opening team in 2017 and returned as head chef in 2025.
The restaurant sits inside Mount Lofty House, which was built in 1852. Pick up a bottle or two before the festive rush. Or book a table in Crafers and let Maxime choose for you.
Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant, Mount Lofty House Adults Retreat, 1 Mawson Drive, Crafers.
mtloftyhouse.com.au/hardys-verandah-restaurant-hvr
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